Today, we're diving into an important yet often difficult topic - what women need to consider for safety and support when thinking about leaving an abusive relationship. Laurie from White Ribbon Australia is a leading voice in domestic violence prevention and intervention. At White Ribbon Australia, she manages the Workplace Accreditation Program, fostering safer spaces for women and families. Laurie has dedicated her career to reducing violence, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. Laurie’s here to walk us through those essential first steps, sharing insights that could make a world of difference.

Timestamps (approx):

• 1 min – Key steps to consider before leaving an abusive relationship, including understanding the risks and preparing for safety.
• 4 mins – Creating an escape plan with essentials like a “go bag” and securing digital privacy.
• 7 mins – The role of support networks in combating isolation and offering safety when planning to leave.
• 10 mins – Legal protections: applying for intervention orders and working with domestic violence officers for added safety.
• 12 mins – Importance of seeking legal advice and considering mediation as an alternative to family court.
• 17 mins – Exploring options to remain in the home safely by legally removing the partner through sole occupancy orders.
• 20 mins – Recognising manipulation tactics like “love bombing” and the importance of reaching out for guidance.

TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including child abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.

Let’s be real - we can’t change or cover everything in one podcast series. But what we can do is start the conversation. If this episode helps even one person recognise the signs of abuse or points them toward safety, it’s worth it. It’s not about perfection, it’s about offering hope and shedding light on what’s often kept in the dark.

Important Links

Daisy App – A free app developed by 1800RESPECT that provides local support service information while protecting user privacy.

Escaping Violence Payment – Financial assistance up to $5,000 for women experiencing family violence, available through organisations like Uniting and Wesley Mission.

Government Financial Assistance – Support payments like Parenting Payments, Single Income Family Supplement, and Family Tax Benefits A and B for single parents and families.

Support and Help Lines

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, reaching out to professionals can be...

Commonly known as the ‘queen of common sense,’ Maggie Dent is one of Australia’s most beloved parenting authors, educators, and podcasters. And I finally had the chance to catch up with Maggie!

More resources can be found here: https://adhdmums.com.au/resources

Maggie’s down-to-earth stories and no-nonsense advice will leave you feeling ready to take on the rollercoaster ride of parenting teens. From dealing with slammed doors and one-word answers to navigating school dramas and social pressures, Maggie breaks it all down with heart, humour, and a whole lot of understanding. This is your go-to episode for parenting teens with love, patience, and a sprinkle of laughter when it’s needed most.

Note: This episode includes a brief mention of suicide.

Key Topics Covered:

• What’s happening during adolescence and how it shapes emotions, decisions, and behaviour.
• How to connect with your teen through unconditional love, patience, and understanding - even in challenging moments.
• Tailored tips for kids with ADHD and other neurodivergent traits to help them build confidence and resilience.
• Strategies for supporting teens through tough times with compassion instead of conflict.
• How to set healthy boundaries for screen time, improve sleep, and guide teens in navigating today’s digital challenges.
• Plus a whole lot more!

Resources mentioned:

• Follow Maggie on Instagram: @maggiedentauthor
• Find more resources, articles, and info on Maggie’s workshops and speaking events: https://www.maggiedent.com/
• Get Maggie’s Latest Book, Help Me Help My Teen: https://www.maggiedent.com/shop/help-me-help-my-teen/
• Follow Maggie on her popular podcast Parental As Anything and her new series The Good Enough Dad.

BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

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TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. It includes real-life accounts from survivors that may be distressing. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.

In this episode, I speak with Elyse Nauta, who has supported DV families across both metro and regional areas, and is a mum to a neurodivergent daughter. Elyse shares her professional knowledge from working in child protection for over 15 years to talk about the tough, often hidden reality of life after leaving an abusive relationship:

• Leaving Isn’t Always the End: Even after women find the courage to leave, some abusers still find ways to control from afar, especially through kids or by twisting legal systems in a tactic called systems abuse. Elyse helps us understand what that looks like in real life.
• The Power of a Good Support System: From Elyse’s experience, having just one trusted friend or family member to lean on can make a world of difference. We talk about why support can be the key to helping women rebuild their confidence and sense of security.
• Financial and Legal Hurdles: Family Court and co-parenting come with their own challenges, especially when the ex has more financial control. Elyse shares insights on why this can feel like an uphill battle for many women.
• Raising Boys with Better Tools: We dive into why teaching boys healthier ways to handle emotions matters. Elyse believes that showing them what positive relationships look like can help create a safer future for everyone.

Let’s be real: we can’t change or cover everything in one podcast series. But what we can do is start the conversation. If this episode helps even one person recognise the signs of abuse or points them toward safety, it’s worth it. It’s not about perfection, it’s about offering hope and shedding light on what’s often kept in the dark.

Important Links:

Dr. Billy Garvey - From Boyz II Men: Listen to Dr. Billy Garvey talk about the importance of guiding boys toward positive masculinity on The Imperfects Podcast: Billy Garvey - From Boyz II Men

Support and Help Lines:

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, reaching out to professionals can be life-changing. I don't want to create resources on a website with no 'quick exit' function. A quick exit function on domestic violence (DV) websites is designed to protect individuals who may be in immediate danger while seeking help or information online. Many victims of DV are closely monitored by their abusers, including their online activities. The quick exit button allows users to leave the website instantly and redirects them to a neutral site, like a search engine, with one click.

- 1800RESPECT: A national sexual assault, domestic, and family violence counselling service. Confidential and available 24/7. Call: 1800 737 732. Visit the Website

- Relationships Australia: Offers counselling, mediation, and support services. Call: 1300 364 277...